Chapter 81: One Step Ahead
"When you found out who I really am, did you think I’d just sit back and do nothing?" Sophia’s voice was calm but edged with quiet fire. "Of course I’d dig into your secrets, too. Now that you’ve uncovered mine, tell me—what exactly do you want from me?"
Her lips curved into a faint, knowing smile. "Though, I doubt you’d tell Lucas. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have come to me in private. And besides..." She leaned forward slightly, eyes gleaming. "Didn’t you just lose a jade worth several billion a few days ago?"
Devin’s jaw tightened. Her words stung more than he wanted to admit. He couldn’t deny it—but he refused to let it show.
"You’re really something," he said after a moment, voice low. "You’re not like other women."
"You don’t have to flatter me, Mr. Scott." Sophia’s tone was crisp, her expression unreadable. "I have no idea what your real motive is, but if you called me here just to use my identity as leverage, then save yourself the trouble. I’m not easily threatened. And frankly—if Lucas ever finds out who I am, I won’t lose a wink of sleep."
The woman before him was sharper—colder—than he had expected. She didn’t flinch, didn’t fold, didn’t give him an inch.
He hated to admit it, but she was right. Compared to YL Group, Scott Group was barely a shadow. YL’s reach extended across continents; Scott’s influence barely brushed the global market. The only company that could rival YL—was Lucas’s.
"Cat got your tongue, Mr. Scott?" Sophia tilted her head, eyes glinting with amusement. "Or did you just realize you’re out of your league?"
Devin’s lips twitched. "Miss Morgan, don’t you think you’re a little too arrogant?"
Sophia laughed softly, resting one arm against the chair. "Confidence isn’t arrogance, Mr. Scott. If I’ve earned the power, I have every right to use it."
Just then, a phone rang.
Devin’s.
And the ringtone—was one of her newest songs.
Sophia’s smile deepened.
Devin, flustered, picked up the call and muttered a few clipped words before hanging up.
"Well," Sophia said, rising gracefully to her feet, "you clearly have work to do. I won’t keep you. And if there’s nothing urgent, I suggest we keep our distance."
"Sophia," he called after her, "think about my proposal."
She paused at the door and glanced over her shoulder. "It seems, Mr. Scott, you still don’t understand me."
Then, with that same disarming smile, she added, "Consider this a parting gift—you know that song you just heard? It’s mine."
Devin froze, disbelief flickering across his face. But by the time he managed a word, Sophia was already gone—leaving behind only the faint trace of her perfume and the echo of her heels on marble.
...
Revealing her identity hadn’t been an impulsive move.
Sophia never acted without purpose.
It was a message—twofold.
First, she wanted Devin to know that whether or not Lucas discovered her secret, it wouldn’t change a thing.
And second, she wanted to remind him that he barely knew her at all.
If he thought he could threaten her with half-truths, he was playing a child’s game against a master.
How ridiculous.
Later, in his office, Devin quietly changed his ringtone. The melody that once felt hauntingly beautiful now sounded mocking.
He frowned.
Sophia Morgan was far more complicated than his investigation suggested.
Peel back one layer, and there was another mystery waiting beneath.
If she chose to oppose him, his partnership with YL could crumble before it even began.
But instead of frustration, a glimmer of intrigue flashed in his eyes.
A woman that powerful, that untouchable... yet living under the name of another man?
Now that was interesting.
...
Downstairs, Sophia walked out of Scott Group, her expression serene.
At the same time, a familiar figure was just arriving.
Ethan.
His eyes narrowed the moment he saw her leaving the building.
Sophia? At Scott Group?
Did that mean... she was working with Devin Scott?
He forced his expression into neutrality, swallowing his questions.
He wasn’t here for her.
Not today.
Today, he was here to negotiate a deal with Scott Group.
Whatever Sophia was doing there—could wait.
Sophia walked straight into the photography studio.
Before she even reached the door, an impatient voice echoed from inside.
"No, no—relax your shoulders! Don’t fight the light, feel it! Let it want you, darling, not run from you!"
She smiled. There was only one person who could bark directions that dramatically—Jimmy, one of the top fashion photographers in City A.
When Sophia stepped inside, the silver-haired man turned, his irritation instantly melting into delight.
"Sophia! Finally! Do you have any idea what kind of hopeless statue you sent me? I’ve wasted thirty minutes trying to bring a piece of wood to life! That face—divine. That suit—genius. But the man wearing it?"
He sighed theatrically, clutching his chest. "Tragic!"
Sophia laughed softly, raising her hands in surrender. "Alright, alright. You’ve suffered enough. How about I design you a custom outfit—free of charge?"
Jimmy’s pout vanished. "Now we’re talking."
Across the room, Leon stood stiffly under the hot lights, beads of sweat glistening on his temple. When he caught sight of Sophia, relief flickered in his eyes—but so did embarrassment.
"Leon," she said coolly, "come here and apologize to Mr. Jimmy."
Leon hesitated, but obeyed. "Mr. Jimmy, I’m... sorry."
Jimmy crossed his arms and eyed him up and down like a disapproving professor.
Sophia gave him a sweet, coaxing smile. "He’s new to this, Jimmy. Cut him some slack. It’s his first shoot, so he’s still tense."
Jimmy sniffed. "I charge by the minute, sweetheart. Half an hour of stiffness is expensive."
"Then think of this as a favor for me," Sophia replied smoothly. "Dinner’s on me next time. He’s important, Jimmy—and you know a face like that doesn’t come around often. Clean, pure... different."
Jimmy rolled his eyes, but she caught the flicker of agreement in his expression. "Obviously. I accepted this job, didn’t I? My standards aren’t low."
Sophia turned to Leon, voice firm now. "If you stay that tense, we’ll waste our entire session. Jimmy’s schedule is packed—I fought hard to get you this slot. Blow it, and it’s like burning through a million dollars."
Leon’s eyes widened. "A... a million?"
"What did you think?" she said dryly. "If you can’t adapt to the spotlight, then maybe this isn’t your path. You can still walk away."
His jaw clenched. "No. I won’t quit."
"Good," she said, her tone softening. "Then prove it."
She gestured for him to step aside and rest for a moment, then grabbed the camera from Jimmy.
He arched a brow. "Oh? The designer wants to play photographer now?"
Sophia just smiled and raised the lens. The moment she clicked the shutter, the room shifted. Her movements were fluid, her timing instinctive—each click perfectly framed.
"See?" she said, showing Leon the screen. "You don’t have to pose for the light. You just have to let it find you."
Jimmy leaned over her shoulder, whistled, and muttered, "If you weren’t already famous, I’d be out of a job."
Sophia chuckled, handed the camera back, and turned to Leon, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.
"Believe in yourself," she said quietly. "Don’t fear the spotlight. One day soon, it’ll be chasing you."
Her words lingered, soft but certain.
Leon looked up at her. He was wearing a crimson suit—one she had designed herself—and tiny crystals shimmered across his cheekbones like stardust.
A perfect contradiction.
Angel and devil in one frame.
He lowered his gaze, heart pounding.
Could he really make it?
Maybe.
If Sophia believed he could... maybe that was enough.